Five (or More) Fun Options If You Didn’t Get Your Kids Into That Parks & Rec Program

So you didn’t get your kids into the [insert Parks & Rec program] class you had hoped to. It only feels like the end of the world.

You and your kid(s) might be the better for it.

No, I get it. I rely on parks and rec programs as much as the next mom. For city parents it’s a way of life. We rise predawn and face the taunting of that damn “maximum sessions reached” message because we believe it’s what’s best for them.

They also stress me the fuck out. And it’s not just the registration process, it’s what comes after we’ve finally got ourselves a spot: Stress over getting them there on time, and then back home in time for a nap.

And for what exactly? In my experience, city programs can be hit-or-miss. For every amazing swim instructor my daughter has had (Andreas at Frankland is the bomb), there’s a teenager flying by the seat of his trunks who can’t seem to learn her name. Is it worth the hassle? Is our time be better spent doing something together rather than driving somewhere together?

It turns out some of the city’s best family programs lie outside the pages of the Toronto FUN Guide—and you don’t have to line up to get in. And these terrific alternatives offer cultural experiences parents share with their children.

This ain’t your average circle time. Complete with instruments, puppets, parachutes and other props, this hootin’ tootin’ sing-a-long gets both kids and parents moving to the beat. Designed to engage babies, toddlers and preschoolers alike, it’s ideal for stay-at-home-parents with multiple little ones in tow. Bonus: Sibs or kids sharing a caregiver get in two for the price of one!

Bring on April showers! Me and my girl got plans. We’ll be seeking shelter at the Yonge and Dundas Cineplex, where you can catch a family flick every Saturday morning for less than the cost of the streetcar ride there. And with a spring/summer lineup that includes film adaptations of kid-lit classics, such as The Cat in the Hat, The Secret of Nimh and Matilda, it’s the perfect excuse to finally start up that family book club. Saturdays, 11 a.m. at participating theatres nationwide. $2.50 per person.

Art school meets playschool in this multimedia art-venture for parent and child. The super-sized two-hour classes are a rare find and offer serious value. (Admission alone would normally set you back more than 30 bucks a visit.) Paint, draw and sculpt alongside your budding artist in the studio then take to the gallery to seek inspiration from the masters. All that plus uninterrupted quality time with your kid.

Nature meets nurture at the High Park Children’s Garden this summer. Open to kids of all ages, the free family drop-in program includes gardening (natch), nature crafts, storytelling and more. Better yet, no registration required; just show up and dig in.

Beth Maher is a writer, editor, lover of Chinese food, ’90s novelty rap and all things her kids. She lives in Toronto’s east end with her husband, son and daughter. See her guide to finding daycare here.

Comments

We go to St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club at Dupont & Palmerston area for swimming lessons. Great staff and the prices are reasonable. Plus, there’s a great park just outside the centre for play before and after the lessons.